Ann Canedy, Precinct 1

Ann Canedy

Thursday

Nov 11, 2010 at 2:00 AMNov 11, 2010 at 11:00 PM

I know I am not the only one glad to see this election season pass. This one seemed especially nasty to me.

I know I am not the only one glad to see this election season pass. This one seemed especially nasty to me. Many of you have contacted me regarding the participation of the Barnstable High School Band in a political rally in Quincy. In view of the negative tone leading up to the election, emotions may have been particularly high and many expressed anger and disbelief that the high school band would participate in what had been widely advertised and reported in advance as a high-profile event which supported one candidate and disparaged another. Councilor Farnham and I expressed concern because of the possible legal implications of this participation and made inquiries before and after the event. Both of us attended and spoke before the school committee Tuesday night. A recent article in another newspaper quoted me, Councilor Farnham, the principal of the high school and the superintendent regarding this issue. Councilor Farnham and I were identified as Republicans (Mr. Farnham a “staunch Republican!”), but the political affiliations of both school officials were not identified. The article further contained quotes that seemed to infer that our concern was primarily grounded in sour grapes or rabid partisanship. As a matter of fact, I am registered Unenrolled and have deliberately chosen to be so registered because I am an elected official in a nonpartisan position. In the interest of full disclosure, I was an enthusiastic supporter of the candidate that did not prevail in the election. The rally was for the guy who won. The issue is not, however, my affiliation, Mr. Farnham’s affiliation or the school officials’ and school committee members’ affiliations. To dismiss this issue as politically driven is to completely miss the point. My concern was based on my understanding of the Massachusetts political campaign laws and the appearance of municipal endorsement, or at the very least, support, of one candidate over another in a close race days before an election. The campaign laws prescribe that municipal resources cannot be used for political purposes. That law is black and white with shades of gray. As our inquiries progressed, we learned that the students’ uniforms and instruments were either not purchased by or recently acquired through municipal funds and that the Booster Club paid for transportation costs off Cape to the rally site in Quincy. I do have a concern that while the band normally charges a fee for its appearance (I know the Civic Association paid them to march in the Fourth of July Parade), I am told that they did not charge a fee for this appearance. This could potentially be construed as a technical, although unintended, contribution in kind to a political campaign. Hopefully, that is not the case. The Barnstable High School Band is in itself a municipal resource, in my view, and as such is a highly visible representative of the Barnstable School system and the Town of Barnstable. Both the campaign and the papers that reported this event were keenly aware of the visual statement that was made. Both the campaign’s Web site and the newspapers prominently featured photos of the band alon side campaign signs. The imaged juxtaposition of the band and the candidate sent a powerful perceived message of support. At the school committee’s meeting, the superintendent explained that the connection between the band’s participation and the rally as a partisan political event was not made before the commitment to perform for the Vice President, which was delivered without any apparent mention of the political candidate orrRally. She further stated that when she became aware that there was a potential problem, she made efforts to stop it, but was unsuccessful. The school administration also considered this as a once in a lifetime opportunity for the band to participants rather than an intended political endorsement. Unfortunately, however, in elections, perception is everything. There is a significant distinction between performing for a visiting dignitary in his/her official capacity and a purely political event. The former would of course be a wonderful opportunity and an honor for our students and is appropriate. The latter I believe very clearly is not. It should be noted that I have also received e-mails (some from teachers as well as parents) over the course of my tenure as town councilor regarding some teachers and school and municipal officials displaying campaign posters and buttons, campaign flyers and mailings, or being encouraged to support (or being censured) favoring one party over another without equal representation. Therefore, my concern did not arise in a vacuum. At the school committee meeting Tuesday night, there were some differences of opinion whether mistakes in judgment were made or whether or not the appearance of the band was appropriate. While this matter is not completely closed, I am satisfied with the explanations that were presented. I am especially gratified that a commitment seems to have been made to develop a policy based on (in the words of one committee member) “sound decisions based on law and common sense” going forward. The superintendent and the committee have sought a legal opinion and guidance from the State Office of Political Campaign Finance to aid them in this endeavor. In closing, law, interpretation of law and policy drive this issue, not partisan bickering. The kids of course are innocent bystanders and it is sincerely hoped that their experience of meeting the Vice President (and perhaps Siobhan Magnus!) is what they will cherish and remember. Our children should be able and encouraged to engage in community and civic activities without partisan political overtones. As ever, thank you for the privilege of being your town councilor. I can be contacted at acanedy@comcast.net and invite you to become a member of my newsletter e-mail list.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.